Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 2

((TW: Self-harm))

The next day at the cafeteria, Ian and Anthony knew something was wrong with Elisa.

"Elisa, are you okay?" Ian asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Why do you ask?" Elisa asked.

"You don't look fine," Ian said.

"Can we see your arms? Anthony asked.

"Why?" Elisa asked.

"To see if you self-harmed or not," Ian said.

"I'm telling you I'm fine," Elisa said, lying.

Ian and Anthony both cross their arms and give them that "really?" look.

"Fine, I'll show you," Elisa said, finally giving up.

Elisa takes off the jacket that they're wearing and low and behold, Ian and Anthony see a self-harm scar that looks fresh.

"When did this happen?" Anthony said calmly. He knows if he freaks out it will only make it worse.

"Right after you both went home," Elisa said.

"Do you have someone to talk to?" Anthony asked.

"Yeah. You guys," Elisa said.

"Oh my god," Ian exclaimed.

"That's not what we meant," Anthony said, annoyingly.

"No. My parents don't allow me to go to therapy," Elisa explained.

"Isn't it because they believe you're lying?" Ian asked.

"Yeah, but it's more complicated than that," Elisa said.

"Do you want to get into it?" Anthony asked.

"Not really," Elisa said.

"Aren't you 18? Why don't you just go yourself?" Ian asked.

"I don't have enough money or time to go," Elisa said.

They are walking to a table when they hear someone yelling, they turn around and see May, Jess, and Max.

"Hey, guys," Jess said, waving at them.

"Ignore them, Ignore them," Elisa said, jokingly

"No, come on you two, Elisa, May is your sister, and Ian, Jess is yours. Please for the love of God, don't ignore them," Anthony said, passionately.

"Jesus Anthony, calm down. It's a joke," Elisa said

"Yeah, it's just a joke dude," Ian said.

Elisa gets a text from their mom and dad. May sees Elisa on their phone and notices that something's off about them, so she asks.

"Elisa, what's wrong?" May asked.

"Nothing, just mom and dad being jerks," Elisa explained.

"What did they say?" May asked.

"I quote: "Don't bother bringing your girlfriend to dinner" like I know dad's side doesn't support the community but still," Elisa said.

"What dinner?" Anthony asked

"At your grandma's place," Elisa said.

"What?" Anthony asked

"It's your grandma's and my grandpa's wedding anniversary," Elisa said.

"Oh, right. That dinner party," Anthony said.

"Isn't Ian and Jess invited?" May asked.

"Yeah," Elisa answered.

"Why can't Sophie?" Max asked.

"Because my parents don't want my girlfriend to be in this mess," Elisa explained.

"Right, but can't you just say that she's your friend?" May said

"Yeah, I could do that," Elisa said.